First wetsuit purchase - 3mm or 5mm or??

[melliodora]

When brand new a 5 mil in tropical conditions can feel a bit too warm. But after a few good dives to compress the suit a bit, the 5 mil is just right for someone who like to stay comfortably warm.

Thanks - this is all super helpful. I was struggling to imagine diving in (& donning/doffing) a 5mm in the tropics given I've only ever dived in 2-3mm shorties in warm water but 5mm seems to be the consensus here!

 

[inquis]

Multiple days of diving take a toll. If the suit is just right on day 1, it won't be on day 3 or 4 with several dives per day. I use a 3mm for Cozumel 80°F (because I have it), but by the 3-4th day, I'm glad I also bring a hood. I vote 5 mm -- just pull the neck a bit open for a flush if you get hot.

 

[melliodora]

I have once when it was routinely 90 degrees at 20ft in the keys 2 years ago in July

Oof that's hot, that would be rashguard temp for me!

 

[NAUI Wowie]

Indonesia and Philippines you will never need more than a 3 Mil. That said if you dive in 55 degrees you will need a 9/8 Semi dry. Some really large people are ok with 7 mil at that temp...

long story short if you are going to be diving in water cooler than 80 degrees F you definitely need a 5 mil and leave front zipper a bit open if in 85 degrees water

 

[melliodora]

Multiple days of diving take a toll. If the suit is just right on day 1, it won't be on day 3 or 4 with several dives per day

Thanks - the most I've done is 6 days in a row, mostly 2/day. Water was ~29/84F and I was fine in a tattered old shortie except during the night dive. But I realize a month/3 a day and cooler temps is a different story

 

[melliodora]

Indonesia and Philippines you will never need more than a 3 Mil

Nusa Penida will definitely get below 80F, Komodo potentially too - at least from what I've read here and elsewhere. But that tip of <80 = 5mm, >85 flush it and all is well is helpful

 

[NAUI Wowie]

Nusa Penida will definitely get below 80F, Komodo potentially too - at least from what I've read here and elsewhere. But that tip of <80 = 5mm, >85 flush it and all is well is helpful

Ok in THAT situation I would absolutely go 5 instead of 3. I dive all over Philippines and never seen water under 80 F so thats new to me. I also go to 100ft 110 ft for caverns and wrecks and its always super warm . Id be pissed at myself in a 3 if it was 75 degrees

 

[melliodora]

Id be pissed at myself in a 3 if it was 75 degrees

It sounds like Komodo will be 81/82 ish the time of year I'm planning - I'm also used to 84+ temps in the tropics! I definitely knew I'd need a rental 5mm in Nusa Penida if I bought a 3mm (and would likely pair it with a hooded vest that I'd also buy and bring) but it seems like buying 5mm is a safer choice all round. If I get hot in Raja Ampat, I'm sure I can use a rental here or there (or dive in a skinsuit that I'll also bring).

 

[Knockneed Man]

All depends on where you live/dive, but in general I would say a 3 is way more versatile. I’ve been a diver for 35 years and I’ve never owned anything more than a 3, but then again I’m warm blooded and don’t dive in cold places. A 3 works for me just fine even in cenotes and in Florida springs

 

[Searcaigh]

Another +1 for a 5mm especially if doing multiple dives over several days.

There are various options to look at too, like adding a hooded vest.

My current 5mm is the WaterProof W7 5mm which has nice sealing cuffs and an optional removable neck seal, making it as good as many semi-dry suits.